Can I sail through the changing ocean tides? Can I handle the seasons of my life? (ABO)

[fromfryingpantofire]

Sam had always known that his life would never properly be his own. As a prince of the Winchester kingdom, his life belonged to the people. Every bit of his strength, every ounce of intelligence, everything that he was needed to be bent toward the best for those that he would lead.

Just because Sam was the second son didn't mean for a moment that his service would be less called upon. Something that became more clear as he grew up and it became clear that Sam would always be the most diplomatic of King John's three sons, someone that Dean would need very much as they both grew older.

As such, Sam had also always known that he would never marry for love. He was a highly eligible Alpha and he would be matched with a suitable Omega from a nearby kingdom. All for the good of the kingdom.

The news that it had already been decided, however, still takes Sam by surprise. It came only a few months after John's death, when the Celestial kingdom sent a new ambassador to take up the recently vacated post, along with the news that the wedding preparations were to start as soon as possible.

It still took nearly a year to set up and now Sam stands at the altar, nervous and waiting to set eyes on the Omega he's to marry for the first time in either of their lives.

Comments

[redeemedhimself]

Weddings were meant to be happy occasions - a celebration of union and the growth of a new pack. And Gadreel had never been more miserable in his entire life, which is truly saying something. He wasn't the sort of slender, willowy Omega that was typical in the Celestial kingdom. Never fair enough, never delicate enough. As he grew the taunts and abuse only grew worse because who would ever want a broad, tall Omega to submit to them? To bear their children and be sheltered away as all good Omegas should want?

The only bright spot in Gadreel's life had been his cousin Gabriel. Wicked and brilliant, the young outcast son had taken the Omega under his wing. Taught him how to fight. Encouraged him to be everything that the others said he shouldn't be.

So when he'd come to Gadreel telling him of the marriage the Omega had never felt quite so betrayed in his life. He was being sent away. Shipped off to another kingdom with an Alpha who would never want him, who would never want any Omega that didn't fit the ideal of beauty.

But he knew he had no choice in the matter. What Omega did? Gadreel swallowed his pride and went, hating every moment of it. He walked straight and tall rather than the delicate steps the other Omegas at the Celestial court favored. If he was going to be damned he was going to do it on his terms and to hell with every Alpha who ordered it of him. He says the words required of him stiffly, refusing to look around at anyone else, refusing to look into the eyes of his Alpha.

He isn't sure he can stomach seeing his disappointment.

[fromfryingpantofire]

The next few weeks are blissfully quiet. The celebrations go off well, if a bit long. The horses that Gabriel gave them (even if nobody will CONFIRM that it was Gabriel) are put to good use during Dean's hunt. And Sam figures out his mating gift for Gadreel, to be given after they have properly mated.

Slowly, things go back to normal in the kingdom, with Sam acting as his brother's advisor and Gadreel learning the way that things work. It's Ellen that takes the new prince under her wing, showing him the things that will be expected of him as the husband of a prince of Winchester. Things like how to deal with the staff, how to take care of the household books. Negotiating with suppliers for things that the household and the castle need. Mostly things that Ellen takes care of, but things that he should learn.

After all, Ellen won't be around forever. And Gadreel would have to work with whomever Dean married. Or would run the household should Sam ever leave the castle as well.

Sam is returning from the town, mating gift in hand when he's spots Jo waiting for him at the doorway into the main keep. He dismounts, surprised to find somebody waiting to take his horse rather than letting him take care of it himself. Frowning, he looks to Jo, who beckons him forward. "You should return to your wing, Sam. Gadreel has need of you."

She doesn't have to explain further. He gives her a quick hug before turning to head for the wing, allowing himself to be drawn in by the scent of wild meadow after a hard rain, a scent that has become one of his favorites in the weeks since the wedding. He pushes open the door to his room, noting the couch that he's had installed beside the armchairs, long enough for either he or his husband to lay down on. "Gadreel? Are you here?"